Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law matters in Arlington County are adjudicated under the Virginia Code. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (defining grounds for divorce), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (governing equitable distribution of marital property), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., played a direct role in amending the equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For Arlington County court procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court official website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support filings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters are filed in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia law requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Begin gathering financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with outcomes based on statutory factors like marriage duration and financial contributions.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + legal fees | 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + higher legal fees | Grounds for divorce |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experts (e.g., forensic accountant) | Va. Code § 20-107.3 factors |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 factors |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our deep involvement in Virginia family law is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. We maintain a focused practice to ensure detailed, case-specific strategies for clients in Arlington County and surrounding communities.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, and complex property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, serves clients at the Arlington County courts on N. Courthouse Rd. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total cost depends heavily on case complexity and cooperation.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is decided based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our family law lawyer in Alexandria page. For other legal needs in Arlington, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.